US tops Germans 3-1 for 5th win in row at world championship

US tops Germans 3-1 for 5th win in row at world championship

Germany's Leon Draisaitl, left, checks Dylan Larkin of the US, right, during the Ice Hockey World Championships group A match between Germany and the United States at the Steel Arena in Kosice, Slovakia, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

KOSICE, Slovakia (AP) -- Dylan Larkin scored midway through the third period to help the United States beat Germany 3-1 Sunday at the world championships.

Frederik Tiffels put Germany in front midway through the first period, and James van Riemsdyk tied it for the Americans less than two minutes later.

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The U.S. has won five straight games in Group A since opening with a 4-1 loss to the host Slovaks.

''This is a hard tournament, harder than I think people realize,'' U.S. coach Jeff Blashill said. ''We got some real strong performances from guys like (Ryan) Suter, Martinez, Larkin and van Riemsdyk, but I thought Jack Eichel really raised his game and played like he wasn't going to be denied.''

The U.S. closes the preliminary round Tuesday against rival Canada, and the quarterfinals begin Thursday.

The Americans trail group-leading Finland, which blanked France 3-0 with a goal in each period and Kevin Lankinen's strong play in net.

Michael Frolik scored to help the Czech Republic beat winless Austria 8-0 in Bratislava in Group B. In the same group, Nikita Kucherov scored twice and Russia beat Switzerland 3-0 to stay undefeated.

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